Press Releases | 2013

Moffitt Cancer Center Researchers Want to Talk To E-Cigarette Users

Aug 26, 2013

TAMPA, Fla. – Moffitt Cancer Center researchers launched a study to learn more about electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, use in Florida. E-cigarettes are rapidly growing in popularity, with sales expected to reach $2 billion this year. Instead of burning tobacco, the devices vaporize a solution containing nicotine. While e-cigarettes are widely available, the quality and safety of the devices are largely unknown.

Moffitt researchers, in collaboration with the USF Health, created an online survey to learn more about why smokers choose e-cigarettes, how they use the devices and what they consider the advantages and disadvantages of e-cigarettes compared to regular cigarettes or nicotine products, such as nicotine gum or patches.

Some participants who complete the online survey will be invited to participate in a focus group about the devices.

Although there is debate in the public health community about the potential positive and negative impacts of e-cigarettes on the nation’s health, Thomas H. Brandon, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior at Moffitt, says, “We are not taking any position on the value of e-cigarettes at this time. It is premature to judge until more information is known. Other researchers are studying the content and safety of the vapor inhaled by users. Here at Moffitt, we first want to better understand the perspective of the user.”

The online survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and all responses will be kept confidential. E-cigarette users interested in participating can participate at www.MOFFITT.org/ecig.